Summer Melon and Ham Salad with Burrata and Chile

Summer Melon and Ham Salad with Burrata and Chile
RecipeWe love the balance of the musky fruit with the salty-sweet ham and the creaminess of the burrata cheese (you can sub fresh mozzarella). You have a lot of strong flavors at play, and the cheese sets the canvas for the whole thing.

Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

This Caprese-inspired pasta toss is the ultimate summer main for a busy weeknight, outdoor picnic, or lunch on the go.

8 of 125Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Chicken and Arugula Pasta Salad

Chicken and Arugula Pasta Salad
RecipeThis hearty dish can be simplified by omitting the chicken and doubling up on the pasta. Tossing hot pasta with a few ounces of creamy Brie makes for a light, luscious, and flavorful sauce to coat this abundant bowl of fresh veggies and whole-grain noodles.

Charred Squash Salad

Charred Squash Salad
Recipethis salad is equally delicious over sliced tomatoes with burrata or crumbled Valbreso feta, or as a complement to any protein. The herbs can be swapped for any herbs of your choice. Rotating the squash on the grill before turning allows for a little more char.

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11 of 125Photo: Christopher Testani; Styling: Thom Driver

Charred Zucchini Salad

Charred Zucchini Salad
RecipeThis summery salad is easily doubled. To do so, use 2 large skillets to simultaneously cook zucchini batches so the dish is done in the same amount of time.

Stuffed Zucchini with Cheesy Breadcrumbs

Stuffed Zucchini with Cheesy Breadcrumbs RecipeThese stuffed zucchini are sure to be a favorite at any gathering. Overflowing with artichoke hearts, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts these are hearty enough to be served as vegetarian main dish.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled Corn on the Cob RecipeGrilled in its husk, the corn takes on a wonderful, lightly charred flavor while its sugars caramelize and intensify. You'll wonder why you ever thought of cooking corn on the cob any other way.

Grilled Summer Veggie Succotash

Grilled Summer Veggie Succotash RecipeDon’t let the meat eaters dominate—veggies deserve a front row on the grill. Lightly coat vegetables with oil; they tend to stick to grill grates. if you don’t have a grill pan, cut pieces in half lengthwise, so they’re less likely to drop into the flames.

Green Beans with Toasted Garlic

Summer Lemon-Vegetable Risotto

Summer Lemon-Vegetable Risotto RecipeRisotto takes patience and constant attention, but the refreshing, creamy result is worth the effort. This recipe is a great way to showcase beautiful summer veggies.

Smoky Three-Bean Bake

Smoky Three-Bean Bake RecipeThree kinds of beans take the classic dish from ho-hum to fun, with different shapes and pleasing textures--from the al dente bite of chickpeas to the creaminess of Great Northern beans.

Baked Couscous with Summer Squash and Herbs

Potato and Summer Vegetable Stovetop Casserole

Potato and Summer Vegetable Stovetop Casserole RecipeThis dish affords the chance to improvise with what you find at your local market. Try purple potatoes in place of fingerlings, Maui or Walla Walla onions instead of Vidalias, or sliced beefsteak heirloom tomatoes for the grape or cherry tomatoes.

52 of 125Photo: Gentl & Hyers; Styling: Kendra Smoot

Summer Peach and Tomato Salad

Summer Peach and Tomato Salad RecipeSimplicity has never looked so beautiful. A stunning combination of skin-on peaches and heirloom tomatoes of various colors, sizes, and shapes creates a sweet-savory salad that pairs well with grilled pork.

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53 of 125Photo: Anna Williams; Styling: Pam Morris

Yellow Plum Salad

Yellow Plum Salad RecipeAs gorgeous as it is delicious, this salad will become a summer staple. Serve it with grilled chicken, pork, steaks, or seafood. Look for the Mirabelle or other golden-fleshed plums.

54 of 125Photo: Randy Mayor; Stylist: Jan Gautro

Potato Salad with Herbs and Grilled Summer Squash

Potato Salad with Herbs and Grilled Summer Squash RecipeThis recipe is a great way to utilize all those fresh herbs that are readily available during the summer. Whether you're growing them in your backyard, potted on the porch, or find them at a local farmers' market, you'll love the brightness they bring to this potato salad.

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55 of 125Photo: Annabelle Breakey

Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad

Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad RecipeIn the height of summer, you won't find a better side dish for ribs than this deceptively simple combination of peak-season produce. Try bringing it to a party, too.

56 of 125Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Indian-Spiced Grilled Baby Squash

Indian-Spiced Grilled Baby Squash RecipeGrilling underscores the earthiness of the cumin and coriander, and enhances the nuttiness of this summer squash. Use white, orange, or yellow pattypan squash for the most colorful skewers.

Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with Tarragon

Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with Tarragon RecipeA simple marinade of shallots, balsamic vinegar, and fresh tarragon makes the most of summer tomatoes. Try a variety of heirloom tomatoes in this dish for their different colors and flavors. Prepare this one hour before you eat and serve it at room temperature.

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59 of 125Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Amy Burke

Lightened Squash Casserole

Lightened Squash Casserole RecipeA combo of cornflakes and French fried onions adds an irresistible crunch to this lightened up casserole. At only 139 calories a serving, we think you're safe for swimsuit season.

Balsamic Carrot Salad

Balsamic Carrot Salad Recipe"This is a unique vegetable salad that is great served hot or cold and for picnics or casual summer dinners." -Silvina Bates, Orange, CA

Perk up sliced carrots with the addition of white balsamic vinegar, cilantro, and oregano. Not only is this bright side dish is great for picnics and cookouts, it's also a great source of vitamin A, which really is good for your eyes.

Zesty Three-Bean and Roasted Corn Salad

Grilled Vegetable Focaccia

Grilled Vegetable Focaccia RecipeHearty focaccia is a fitting base for a medley of summer vegetables. Grill the vegetables while the dough rises. Try other toppings, such as thinly sliced tomato, on the focaccia.

Jalapeño-Lime Slaw

Jalapeño-Lime Slaw RecipeThis citrusy take on coleslaw is fresh and pleasantly spicy, making it an ideal side dish or burger or brat topping. Leave the seeds in more peppers for added fire, or seed all of them for a milder dish.

78 of 125Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Amy Burke

Fresh Squash Chips

Fresh Squash Chips RecipeSuper delicious and ridiculously healthy, these chips should make an appearance as snacks and a side dish all summer long.

Lemony Cucumber Salad

Lemony Cucumber Salad RecipeDon't forget that something fresh, vibrant, and crunchy is often missing from potluck gatherings; this easy salad will get gobbled up quickly because it satisfies on those levels.

Summer Squash Ribbons with Lemon and Parmesan

Summer Squash Ribbons with Lemon and Parmesan RecipeThe beautiful, thinly sliced ribbons of summer squash are dressed simply with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Add parmesan and a little salt and pepper, and you have an elegant summer side dish sure to impress.

Eggplant, Zucchini, and Tomato Tian

Eggplant, Zucchini, and Tomato Tian RecipeTian, a French word used throughout Provence, refers to both a shallow cooking vessel and the food cooked in it. An 11 x 7-inch glass or ceramic baking dish works well for this eggplant, zucchini, and tomato creation, but if you have a 2-quart tian or gratin dish, all the better.

100 of 125Photo: Gentl & Hyers; Styling: Kendra Smoot

Indian-Spiced Okra

Indian-Spiced Okra RecipeEven folks who usually don't like okra enjoy the taste and texture of this highly seasoned dish. We left the seeds in the chile for moderate spice. Serve with grilled chicken or lamb.

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101 of 125Photo: Gentl & Hyers; Styling: Kendra Smoot

Cranberry Beans with Parsley Pesto

Cranberry Beans with Parsley Pesto RecipeFresh-from-the-pod cranberry beans are creamy and delicious, especially when adorned with a mixture of herbs, nuts, and cheese. Serve alongside grilled lamb or pork, or enjoy a larger serving as a vegetarian entrée.

Green Beans With Caramelized Garlic

Green Beans With Caramelized Garlic RecipeGently cooking the garlic in oil mellows the flavor and tenderizes the cloves. Once you've removed the cloves, store garlic-infused oil in a jar in the fridge up to one month to add garlicky goodness to other dishes.

Lemony Quinoa Salad with Shaved Vegetables

Lemony Quinoa Salad with Shaved Vegetables RecipeThe Good News: Eating quinoa is a great way for vegetarians to get protein. Jeremy Fox tosses nutty-tasting quinoa with crunchy shaved vegetables for a refreshing salad loaded with vitamins and minerals.

112 of 125Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Parmesan Flans with Tomatoes and Basil

Parmesan Flans with Tomatoes and Basil RecipeUse a variety of colorful tomatoes, including red, yellow, orange, and green, to make this elegant dish more visually appealing. Serve as an appetizer or side dish, or pair it with a chilled soup, salad, and wine for a light meal.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad RecipeCreate a colorful salad that's packed with protein by combining chickpeas, tomatoes, and arugula. The salad is also full of flavor from the mixture of manchego cheese, lemon zest, and mint.

Two-Corn Polenta with Tomatoes, Basil, and Cheese

Zucchini-and-Summer Squash Salad

Zucchini-and-Summer Squash Salad RecipeMake the most of the bounty of summer produce and cook summer squash on the grill. Marinate the squash and onion wedges in a mixture of orange and lime juices, olive oil, honey, and a dash of hot red pepper, then serve the veggies with a drizzle of the remaining marinade for over-the-top flavor.

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123 of 125Photo: William Dickey; Styling: Rose Nguyen

Peanutty Coleslaw

Fried Green Tomatoes

No one does Fried Green Tomatoes like Southern Living. The cornmeal and flour crust is what sets this recipe apart from others. In only a matter of minutes, your tomatoes will be battered, fried and perfectly crispy. Not only can you enjoy these as a perfect summer appetizer paired with Buttermilk Herb Ranch Sauce, try sandwiching them with lettuce and bacon for an elevated BLT or scattering them in between fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for crunch and flavor in a caprese salad.

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125 of 125Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Sautéed Chard with Pancetta

Sautéed Chard with Pancetta RecipeThe pancetta (Italian unsmoked bacon) renders a small amount of fat, which is then used to sauté the chard. Serve this robust side with steaks, roast chicken, or roast pork.